5 Delectable Prawn Cocktail Recipes You Must Try

Introduction to Prawn Cocktails

Prawn cocktails have long been a staple appetizer, delighting palates with their succulent prawns, fresh ingredients, and delightful sauce. Over the years, this classic dish has evolved, featuring various twists that cater to modern tastes and dietary preferences. In this blog post, we’re going to explore 5 delectable prawn cocktail recipes that you simply must try. From the classic sauce to avant-garde flavors, there’s something for everyone.

Classic Marie Rose Prawn Cocktail

The Marie Rose sauce, often referred to as the traditional prawn cocktail sauce, is a timeless recipe that evokes memories of 1970s dinner parties.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g cooked prawns
  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 150g mayonnaise
  • 50g ketchup
  • A few drops of Worcestershire sauce
  • A few drops of Tabasco sauce
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  1. Create the Marie Rose Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Shred the lettuce and layer it at the bottom of your serving glasses.
  3. Layer the prawns on top of the lettuce, ensuring they are well distributed.
  4. Spoon the Marie Rose sauce over the prawns.
  5. Finish with a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass and a sprinkle of paprika for color.

🔔 Note: Use freshly cooked prawns for the best flavor. If using pre-cooked prawns, ensure they are thoroughly defrosted and patted dry to avoid wateriness.

Avocado and Mango Salsa Prawn Cocktail

For a tropical twist, this recipe blends the creamy texture of avocado with the sweet and tangy flavors of mango.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g cooked prawns
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 ripe mango
  • 1 lime
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: a splash of tequila or lime tequila
• Steps:
  1. Prepare the Salsa: Cube the avocado and mango, finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Mix in a bowl with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Optional: Add a splash of tequila or lime tequila for an extra kick.
  3. Layer the shredded lettuce or spinach at the bottom of the glass.
  4. Add a generous scoop of the salsa on top of the greens.
  5. Top with the cooked prawns, and garnish with extra cilantro.

Spicy Asian Prawn Cocktail

Introduce an East Asian flair to your prawn cocktail with this spicy recipe, incorporating elements like wasabi, soy, and ginger.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g cooked prawns
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 2 teaspoons of wasabi paste
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of mirin
  • Spring onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds
• Steps:
  1. Mix wasabi, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and mirin to create a dressing.
  2. Layer julienned cucumber at the bottom of the glass.
  3. Add the prawns, drizzle the spicy dressing over them, and let it sit for a few minutes.
  4. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.

Mediterranean Style Prawn Cocktail

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this herbaceous and fresh take on the classic dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g cooked prawns
  • 1 can of white beans, rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano)
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a vinaigrette.
  2. Mix the white beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, and herbs in a bowl.
  3. Toss the prawns with the vegetables.
  4. Layer the mixture into glasses, and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

Greek Yogurt Prawn Cocktail

For a healthier alternative, replace traditional sauces with Greek yogurt, adding depth with dill and cucumber.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g cooked prawns
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add diced cucumber to the yogurt mixture.
  3. Layer shredded lettuce at the bottom of the glass.
  4. Place the prawns on top, then spoon the yogurt and cucumber mix over them.

🔔 Note: Greek yogurt not only offers a healthier alternative but also adds a unique tanginess that complements prawns beautifully.

Wrapping Up

These 5 delectable prawn cocktail recipes offer a delightful way to kick off a dinner party or enjoy as a luxurious treat. From the timeless Classic Marie Rose to the refreshing Avocado and Mango Salsa, the exotic Spicy Asian, the herbaceous Mediterranean Style, and the healthier Greek Yogurt variations, there’s a prawn cocktail for every occasion. Each recipe can be tailored to suit dietary needs, adding fresh ingredients to keep the dish vibrant and appealing. Hopefully, these recipes will inspire you to explore more prawn cocktail variations in your culinary journey.

Can I make these prawn cocktails in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare many components in advance. The prawns can be cooked, peeled, and kept in the refrigerator. Prepare the sauces or dressings and refrigerate them separately. However, assemble the dish right before serving for the best texture and freshness.

What are some good alternatives to prawns in these recipes?

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You can substitute with other seafood like shrimp, lobster, or even crab. For non-seafood options, you could use chicken or tofu, adjusting flavors as necessary.

Are these prawn cocktail recipes suitable for special diets?

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Many of these recipes can be adapted for various diets. The Classic Marie Rose can be made gluten-free with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. The Greek Yogurt recipe is a lighter, low-fat option, and by using suitable sauces, the recipes can also cater to vegan or dairy-free diets.